Macna_2016 v1.0

EXPLANATION
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WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT ALL MEMBRANES
All membranes, no matter what brand or construction, will block water but can let water vapor through.
But it will only do so under certain circumstances. Let’s forget about the differences in specs and quality of
the membranes for a while and concentrate on the principle.
The key word is difference. There will only be migration of vapors if there is a difference. On one side it
should be more than the other. The gas or vapor will want to go there where the least vapor is, until it is
the same everywhere. The membrane however has no idea about front and back, so it can go both ways.
Always keep in mind that there are circumstances and effects that could let the water go inside your gear
in stead of out. If it is more humid and warm outside, than inside your gear, vapor will be drawn in. This
could also happen on your seat, where water remains, and temperature is higher. You might get the idea
your gear is leaking, but in fact it is just your membrane doing its job.
SOME EXAMPLES:
• Pants' crotch appear to leak because the water is heated up on the seat creating a lot of vapor.
It can hardly reach the open and it is dryer on the inside than outside your pants. Transport of vapor in the “wrong” way.
• Gloves feel wet and cold, yet the water is outside the membrane. The water runs over the
membrane almost directly over your skin, cooling the surface constantly.